June 07, 2012

Reuters Video: Beach smoking ban clears air

Cannes prohibits smoking on a beach, a ban it hopes to extend to several other beaches in the city. Elly Park reports.

TRANSCRIPTREPORTER: People on this beach in Cannes can now enjoy a breath of fresh air. The French city world famous for its film festival slapped a smoking ban on this 840-meter, or 2800-feet strip of sand. Disposing cigarette litter here can now cost smokers a hefty fine of 38 euro - which prompted this woman to light up her last cigarette. WOMAN SMOKING CIGARETTE: "This is the last one." REPORTER: The ban is only effective for the beach itself, and smokers can always climb up to the pavement to light up. But its effect already shows says this man, who likes what he sees. BEACH-GOER: "There are fewer cigarette butts in the sand. For children it's a good thing." REPORTER: France banned smoking in most public places in 2007, followed by a ban in 2008 for bars and cafes. Cannes is now one of the first French cities to expand the smoking ban to its shores. But not all are convinced.BEACH-GOER: "If this is where it is going to be banned, we will go over there, just next door." REPORTER: And opt to trade beaches instead of choosing to quit. Elly Park, Reuters.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS• Do you agree with the beach smoking ban?• Where else would you ban smoking?• Should smoking be banned altogether?

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Reuters Video: Beach smoking ban clears air

Cannes prohibits smoking on a beach, a ban it hopes to extend to several other beaches in the city. Elly Park reports.

TRANSCRIPTREPORTER: People on this beach in Cannes can now enjoy a breath of fresh air. The French city world famous for its film festival slapped a smoking ban on this 840-meter, or 2800-feet strip of sand. Disposing cigarette litter here can now cost smokers a hefty fine of 38 euro - which prompted this woman to light up her last cigarette. WOMAN SMOKING CIGARETTE: "This is the last one." REPORTER: The ban is only effective for the beach itself, and smokers can always climb up to the pavement to light up. But its effect already shows says this man, who likes what he sees. BEACH-GOER: "There are fewer cigarette butts in the sand. For children it's a good thing." REPORTER: France banned smoking in most public places in 2007, followed by a ban in 2008 for bars and cafes. Cannes is now one of the first French cities to expand the smoking ban to its shores. But not all are convinced.BEACH-GOER: "If this is where it is going to be banned, we will go over there, just next door." REPORTER: And opt to trade beaches instead of choosing to quit. Elly Park, Reuters.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS• Do you agree with the beach smoking ban?• Where else would you ban smoking?• Should smoking be banned altogether?